UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, will attend the joint Opening Ceremony of the International Water Summit and the World Future Energy Summit, taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on 15 January.

On that same day, the Director-General will participate in the Abu Dhabi International Renewable Energy Conference (ADIREC) Ministerial Panel on “Building National Frameworks for Renewable Energy,” in the context of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES). The Panel will gather a distinguished group of policy makers, entrepreneurs, innovators and visionaries from around the world to create an international think-tank dedicated to sustainable development. This session will examine how energy policies must evolve for renewable energy sources to become a greater integral part of the energy mix.

During the International Water Summit (IWS) on 16 January, the Director-General will engage in a public dialogue with the Chair of UN Water, Michel Jarraud, on “The Role of Water in Sustainable Growth”. Irina Bokova will underline the importance of the 2013 International Year of Water Cooperation, which UNESCO is leading, with a focus on UNESCO’s expertise and action in this field, notably through the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the World Water Development Report. This year is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness on the role of water in sustainable development. UNESCO will focus on outreach activities that will highlight the ultimate goal of cooperation to develop a shared vision of sustainable water resources management at the heart of sustainable development.